We could all use a little pick-me-up every once in a while.

I'm currently sitting in my lab, door closed (screw the fire hazard), and semi-blaring music while I'm doing a few hours of work. Maybe because it's Sunday, or it's been a busy last few weeks, or something... but for some reason I'm in the mood for reflection and questioning.

Or maybe it's the fact that I'm post-vacation, and I miss it? Perhaps. Italy Vernia Family Vacay was fantastic, and just what I needed: two weeks away from school, stress, responsibility. I could eat all the pasta I wanted, drink all the wine and cappuccinos my heart desired... and I did. It was beautiful weather in a beautiful place. Got to hike one day in Cinque Terre, and take in the architecture the rest of the vacation. Perfect two weeks away. Wish I could have stayed for longer and explored Florence longer, but such is life. We all have to come back to reality at some point.

But coming back wasn't all that bad either. Research is being semi-nice for once, and it may continue to be nice (but get a lot busier... not necessarily a bad thing). But now that I am off my vacation high, and it's back to the real world, being in lab also makes me introspective.

Call it boredom, call it "being in the dumps", call it sadness... actually, don't call it any of that. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but it's not just one emotion, and it's not really sadness. Things are changing around me, and I don't think I'm on the same pace that change is happening. That's why I think I'm slightly freaking out about it.

I start teaching next week, which gives me a lot more to do. Picking back up CGSA duties, teaching, getting back into full-time researching, trying to workout and stay healthy, have social time... it feels like it's the school year again. Though there aren't as many students, which is always a nice break during the summer. But this summer is going to fly by... which is the the scariest thing to think about.

The fall brings the beginning of the 3rd year of my PhD program, which leads to the candidacy talk... the dreaded 3rd year talk... the make or break talk. While I'm not as stressed as I should be about it, it's hard not to think about the impending doom that comes with it. Every conversation at school mentions research, or how the talk is going to be terrible, etc. etc.

So with that, and a feeling of slight loneliness, it gives me weird feelings. Like I need a pick-me-up or something. I had pizza (nom nom) this weekend, and had a wonderful Friday with friends. But the thing that has always gotten me back into a groove is music. One of my favorite people who can put a smile on my face and joy in my heart is Andrew McMahon. Never heard of him? Don't worry, you have now.

Pianist and lead vocals for Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, he is now doing a solo act. So: if you need some music to check out, albums include:
Leaving Through the Window and North - Something Corporate
Everything in Transit, The Glass Passenger, and People and Things (as well as Dear Jack EP) - Jack's Mannequin
The Pop Underground - Andrew McMahon

Just something about the piano gets me in a good mood every time. It brings me back to a simpler time when I use to take piano lessons, and the worst thing that could happen was actually having to practice. But whenever I listen to his music (especially Everything in Transit straight through), it's like I took a Vitamin D pill, and I'm drinking homemade strawberry lemonade, porch sitting on my porch swing and flowers are blooming around me.

I know we all have that one thing that just brightens our day. Mine happens to be Andrew McMahon. What's yours?

I think between my dear friend Andrew, exercising this week, NKOTB/98 Degrees/Boyz II Men, and getting back in my routine, I'll be back into my sunshiney world... while I sit in my darkened wet lab. :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and are staying cool. It's getting hot out there, and we need to keep hydrated. Have a great summer (to those that get something like it).